Aggression: Gender Differences in

Abstract

This article offers abroad review of trends in sex differences in aggression. We begin by operationalizing aggression and violence and discussing developmental trajectories and pathways to aggression and violence. We then report on the prevalence and incidence of aggression among females and critique assertions that female aggression is increasing. Next, sex differences and similarities in aggressive and violent behavior are examined. This is followed by a critical examination of whether risk and protective factors are sex‐specific. We close with a brief exploration of clinical implications of the extant research literature for prevention and intervention, and reflections on gaps in knowledge and directions for future research.